SCENE THIRD

[Night. An encampment of Moroccan troops on the edge of the

desert. Watchfires, with SOLDIERS resting by them.]

A SLAVE [enters, tearing his hair].

Gone is the Emperor’s milk-white charger!

ANOTHER SLAVE [enters, rending his garments].

The Emperor’s sacred robes are stolen!

AN OFFICER [enters].

A hundred stripes upon the foot-soles

for all who fail to catch the robber!

[The troopers mount their horses, and gallop away in every

direction.]